Sustainable development, reach codes, and strategic density

Los Altos Hills is currently facing two challenges with the need to increase and improve available housing stock on one side and mitigate climate change and create a more sustainable housing stock on the other. Rather than viewing these goals in opposition of each other, the Town sees this as an exciting opportunity to be ambitious with its green building code and focusing on development where it makes sense while preserving the Town's character, environment, and beautiful natural resources and recreation.

The new 2024 building reach codes are at the heart of these new sustainable development initiatives. While State-mandated building code is among the best in the nation for sustainability and minimal impact, the Town has is at the forefront of sustainable green building by working to adopt reach codes, (codes which go above and beyond state mandates), for building and site development.

These reach codes allow local governmental agencies to adopt and enforce energy standards for newly constructed buildings, additions, alterations, and repairs to existing buildings provided the Energy Commission finds that the standards will require buildings to be designed to consume no more energy than permitted by California Code of Regulations Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

As a part of the 6th Cycle Housing Element, the town will be allowing select and qualifying higher density residential units to be built within town limits. This does not mean the multi-story apartments will be popping up on every street corner, but it does mean that some areas of Town will be seeing lot splits or additional ADU-type developments. Locations for such units, and the reach codes as a whole, will be open for public comment in 2024, ensuring that these new codes support the goals of the community. More information about Town reach code updates can be found here.

The future of residential development is bright. As a Town, we have the opportunity to increase and improve our housing stock in a way which is environmentally conscious, inclusive, and sustainable. Public participation will remain at the core of Town decision making, through council deliberations, study sessions, and public meetings.